Updated: November 22, 2024
The SF Eagle Bar, a fixture in San Francisco's LGBTQ+ scene, fell victim to a burglary early Monday morning. According to KTVU, two men used keys and a security code to enter the premises after midnight, making off with a safe containing upwards of $25,000 plus checks destined for the bar staff. Fortunately, a GoFundMe campaign from the bar has already raised nearly $23,000 to lessen the financial blow.
"As a landmark San Francisco queer business and a cornerstone in the LGBT and Leather communities, the SF Eagle Bar is committed to staying open in the face of these crimes," said a representative of the bar in a statement reviewed by Hoodline Bay Area. They added, "In 2024, the Eagle helped more than 50 queer nonprofits raise over $80,000, and we are committed to persevering through adversity to increase our support in 2025," making note of SF Eagle's significant impact on its greater community.
Lex Montiel, the owner of the landmark bar on 12th and Harrison Streets, expressed a deep sense of violation of the incident. "This type of situation is really demoralizing, devastating, really," Montiel told KTVU. "It makes me super sad, and I'm angry and frustrated, and so many other feelings." The connection between the crime and the cleaning crew brought an additional layer of betrayal. The suspicion has led to the arrest of Lucas Molina-Hernandez, 31, while his accomplice remains at large. An insider's role has rendered the breach of the safe all the more personal and pointed to a disturbing breach of trust within the community space.
In the wake of the crime, the SF Eagle has rallied support through its social media channels, revealing the depth of the impact on the staff and the patrons it serves. "Our workers rely on the bar for their livelihood. This burglary affects not only the SF Eagle but also the people who make it a cornerstone of our community," Montiel said in an SF Eagle Instagram post. The post also announced the GoFundMe campaign intending to mitigate the financial damage and fund necessary property repairs.
Manager Randy Maupin echoed Montiel's sentiments about the theft, which felt personal. "It’s our home, it’s our space. It’s what we give to our staff, our community. So when someone comes in and invades and steals from you, you take it personal," Maupin explained to KTVU. Despite the setback, plans for renovations to enhance ADA compliance will persist as the bar looks to reopen and continue serving its community.
